Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

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Stella clenched her fists so hard her nails almost broke through her palms.

"Stella?" Martin glanced at her, a hint of concern breaking through his otherwise stern facade. Stella didn't dare go against Martin's wishes. She also gave the police a nod and a forced smile. "Liz was terrified, clinging to me and crying. It was all a misunderstanding, a scare for nothing." Once the police and Remington's men had left, the West household finally found its peace again.

Only then did Stella, eyes brimming with tears, say, "Dad, why did you back down? If I married into the Dashiell family, our families would be united. Once I get better and have children with Remington..."

Martin scoffed, cutting her off, "It's not as simple as you think. Remington isn't someone you can easily sway! When you were first brought back, Remington was full of guilt. Marrying you then, he might have treated you and our family kindly. But you, with your clever ideas, ruined a perfectly good situation. Now, Remington has his guard up against the Wests. Even if you married him out of obligation, he'd be wary of us at every turn. Besides, do you really think he's let go of his suspicions about our family? He just lacks concrete evidence.

The tangible benefits and advantages are what matter most to him. The Cloud Retreat land is worth its weight in gold, especially with Zion City's recent development plans. If played right, the West family could climb another rung on the ladder, potentially standing toe-to-toe with the Dashiells someday!"

Stella bit her lip, "So, I should just give up?"

"Of course not. Seeing how things are with Lizetta, they're hardly in a position to mend their relationship easily. Time is on our side. If you play your cards right and keep your cool, once the West family rises, the title of Mrs. Dashiell will still be within reach."

Martin patted Stella on the shoulder. She thought of Lizetta's devastated state, of her leaving the Dashiell family with nothing, while she, once the Wests were in a better position, would become Zion City's foremost socialite. With this thought, her spirits lifted, and a smile crept onto her lips.

In the car.

Remington held Lizetta close, placing a towel-wrapped ice pack against her swollen cheek, his eyes filled with concern.

Ray, sitting in the passenger seat, ended a phone call and reported back.

"All videos from the incident have been handled promptly, avoiding any unwanted attention. We've also looked into those who were there; Cedric has taken care of it."

On the way to confront the West family, Remington had ordered these cleanup tasks, ensuring the incident would leave no trace.

Remington nodded, wrapping Lizetta more tightly in the blanket.

"Turn up the heater."

He touched Lizetta's cold neck, frowning as he instructed.

Ray, wiping sweat from his brow, immediately complied without complaint.Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

But seeing Lizetta's pale, unconscious face, Ray couldn't hide his frustration. "Mr. Remington Dashiell, are we really just handing over that land to the Wests?"

A cold glint flashed in Remington's eyes. "The Wests have bitten off more than they can chew. What they've swallowed today, they'll be forced to spit out tomorrow." What belonged to Remington was never easy to take.

The car slowly pulled into the Dashiell estate.

Getting out, Remington placed a hat on Lizetta.

She remained unconscious as Remington carried her into the living room, where not only Fiona was. waiting but Nathan too, both with faces set in worry. A doctor and a nurse stood by as well.

Upon seeing Remington carry Lizetta in Fiona stood up, her concern evident. "What happened to Liz? She looked better a few days ago. How have you been taking care of her?"

The matriarch was so agitated she nearly swung her cane, but

Remington, skillfully shielded Lizetta, saying, "Grandma, let's get Liz

upstairs for the doctor

examine

her. You can scold me all you want

afterward."

Fiona restrained herself, while Nathan, helping the old lady, frowned at Remington, signaling a brewing storm.